LOS ANGELES–Credit unions from across the county have joined to form a fund to assist victims of Southern California’s Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires. Managed by the USC Credit Union Community Foundation, organization, the Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund began in early January, shortly after the fires began and is designed to provide immediate emergency cash assistance to those affected.
According to organizers, as of March 20, the fund has raised $275,692, with significant contributions from USC Credit Union members, partner credit unions, and other community members.
“Notably, nearly half of these funds have been donated by fellow credit unions, demonstrating the sector’s deep-rooted commitment to the principle of people helping people, particularly in times of crisis,” organizers said.
Organizers added that to date, the fund has awarded $181,000 in emergency cash, directly aiding 181 families and individuals severely impacted by the fires. Each beneficiary received $1,000 with no obligation. The application was open to all impacted community residents, regardless of their credit union membership status.
‘Devastating Loss’
“In the face of such devastating losses, homes, jobs, stability, it’s crucial that we step in quickly to help our community members begin to rebuild their lives,” said Dr. Rocio Flores, USC Credit Union Community Foundation CEO and USC Credit Union chief social impact officer, In a statement.
Added USC Credit Union CEO and Foundation Board Chair Gary J. Perez in a statement, “This effort embodies the spirit of credit unions as mission-driven, not-for-profit cooperatives. By coming together, we demonstrate our foundational commitment to helping people in need, offering necessary support to those most affected by this tragedy.”
‘Essential Needs’
Organizers said funds have been instrumental in covering essential needs such as housing, medical expenses, and daily necessities, illustrating the foundation’s role as a crucial support system during catastrophic events.
“I have two children, ages 16 and five years old,” a fund beneficiary, Natasha, said in a statement. “We lost everything. My main objective is to provide shelter for my family. However, we need everything, so the funds will go toward all the things we need to survive.”
Added another beneficiary, Javier, in a statement, “My family was displaced by the Eaton fire. This will help us to buy formula, diapers, and other baby essentials as we welcomed our newborn three days before the fire.”
Credit Union and Organizational Donors
Organizers said donors include:
California Credit Union League, Nevada Credit Union League, Stanford Federal Credit Union, African-American Credit Union Coalition, USC Credit Union, FHLBank San Francisco, Hawaii Credit Union League, HFS Federal Credit Union, Hawaii County Employees Federal Credit Union, Valley Isle Community Federal Credit Union, Lōkahi Federal Credit Union, Kahului Federal Credit Union, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Maui County Federal Credit Union, Molokai Community Federal Credit Union, University of Hawai’i Federal Credit Union, Wailuku Federal Credit Union, Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union, Garden Island Federal Credit Union, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, Hawaii First Federal Credit Union, Lanai Federal Credit Union, Maui Federal Credit Union, HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union, HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union Foundation, Gather Federal Credit Union, Pima Federal Credit Union, Monterra Community Fund, Origence, Unitus, Upward Credit Union, Greylock Federal Credit Union, California Coast Credit Union, SESLOC, Credit Union of Southern California, Delta Schools Federal Credit Union, Spiral, Elevations Credit Union, Duke Credit Union, Desert Valleys Federal Credit Union, Organized Labor Credit Union, Huntington Beach Credit Union, Pathways Financial Credit Union, Western Division, Statewide Federal Credit Union, Parishioners Federal Credit Union, Ventura County Credit Union, Thinkwise Credit Union, Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union, Landings Credit Union, Arrowhead Credit Union, Frontwave Foundation, Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union, Student Choice, Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union, Boulder Dam Credit Union, Red Rocks Credit Union, All In Credit Union, Border Federal Credit Union, Uncle Credit Union, Eagle Community Credit Union, Velocity Community Credit Union, FirstCity Credit Union, Torrance Community Credit Union, Spiral Giving Network, Pearl Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Members 1st Credit Union, IC Credit Union, and Vantage West Credit Union.